So you have taken part in the required number of regionals and you are heading to your first British Championships. If you have raced in a National then you know how much bigger the event will feel compared to a Regional. But if you haven’t, and this is your first foray into national racing the Brits will seem like a huge and exciting event. This is just a quick guide on what to expect. Make sure you follow your regional Facebook page as they will have specific information for your regional riders (when to collect race stickers etc).
Plates and number
Your race number for the Brits will be determined by your ranking in your category in your region. It is different to your number for National racing (determined by your ranking the previous year), and is different to your starting race number for Regionals which is the last three digits of your British Cycling licence number.
Each region will use a predetermined prefix, as below. For example if you are ranked 1st in the North in your category at the Brits you will have the plate 1.4. If you are ranked 2nd in the East your race number for the Brits will be 2.3.
.1 – Midlands Region
.2 – South West Region
.3 – East Region
.4 – North Region
.5 – South Region
.6 – Scotland
The only variance to these plate numbers for the Brits are riders that won the British Championship the previous year. They will be riding with the number 01 to demonstrate they are defencing British champion. And those riders that secured World or European plates in the last year will be able to rider with the W or E pate they eared in their category on the international stage.
So why not get a new plate or side plate now for your Brits plate sticker!
Jersey
When you first qualify for the Brits you will be given a regional jersey which is standard for your region. You can practice in any jersey on the Friday but all riders have to wear their regional jersey for race day practice and racing. You should have been asked by your region to preorder your complementary regional jersey which will be expected to be used for two years. If you grow out of your jersey for year two you have to buy a new larger one. The jerseys will likely be given to club volunteers to distribute on the Friday so look out for Facebook and WhatsApp announcements!
Race Days
Like a National weekend the Brits racing takes place on a Saturday and Sunday, but as the Brits is a one-off race and is a bigger event than any national, the racing is split so Male and Female 6 and under up to 12 race on the Saturday with the Cruisers. Sunday is reserved for 13 and over right through to Elite Males and Females.
Other than that racing follows a similar format with three motos, 1/8ths, quarter finals and semi-finals. At Brits however there are no B finals so getting that top 4 in the semi final is more important than ever!
And you are riding for pride and the 01 plate (which goes to the winner of each category), but you are also riding for your region. A winning region will be crowned!
Check Sqorz
Ahead of the Brits please check your (or your riders) details are correct on Sqorz.
Brits Parade
There will be a regional parade on the Sunday for riders and families of each region. This is one of the highlights of the whole weekend for most riders. Each region will choose a theme, will get dressed up and will have a great time. For more details please check your regions Facebook page!
Gazebo Village
Unlike at regionals or national events there will be a gazebo village at the Brits for each region. The clubs from each region will band together and bring club gazebos to it. Some riders however will still base themselves in their national racing team gazebos rather than in the regional village.
Trader Village
Expect a bigger trader village than you have seen before! Traders will use the Brits to launch next year’s frames, raise their profile and give out freebies. It’s like a mini festival. Traders are their to support the BMX community so please get involved and support them back!
If this is your first Brits then it might be daunting, but it should be fun!
